Learn modern sewing machine service

We teach what others won't.  How to clean, lubricate, and service your sewing machine.
Step-by-step guidance, lifetime access, and 1-on-1 support.
Start learning today
Attend FREE Open House event

Want to get your machine running smooth—without costly repair bills?

You wait weeks for a service appointment, just to fix something that turns out to be minor (and costs $125+ anyway).

You're scared to open up your machine, because no one’s ever explained what’s safe to touch — and Google and YouTube make it feel even more overwhelming.

You’ve been told not to mess with it. That it’s too complicated. That you need special tools or training. Meanwhile, the machine you love is sitting idle.

You want to understand how it works. You want to feel confident fixing small issues yourself. You’re just not sure where to start. 

And the sewing machine repair industry wants to keep you in the dark.

Sewing machine repair courses taught by Sewing Doc Academy

But here’s the truth:

Most machines just need a thorough cleaning, the right lubrication, and a few checks (not a PhD in engineering.)

 

 With the right guidance, you can do it yourself.

Learn to fix your own sewing machine at home

 What if you could:

 

Safely remove the covers on nearly any modern sewing machine 

 Clean and lubricate like a pro, without damaging sensitive parts

 Identify and prevent common issues

Understand what not to touch, and when to get help  

And when you're ready to go deeper, learn pro-level skills like timing and adjustments or even launch your own business.

That’s exactly what you’ll learn inside:

Remove Your Covers

  • A complete, confidence-building course for modern sewing machines
  • Learn how to safely open, clean, and care for your machine without second-guessing
  • Skip the shop visits for routine service and handle it on your own, with expert guidance

Instead of depending on shop schedules or spending hours scrolling YouTube, you’ll have expert training, lifetime access, and a supportive community of fellow sewists behind you.

Start learning today
Andi Barney teaches you how to maintain and fix sewing machines from home

Meet Your Guides

 

With over 15 years of experience as a certified technician and former repair shop owner, Andi Barney has worked on thousands of machines and earned certifications from Viking, Brother, and Janome.


Now she teaches what others won’t: how to confidently care for your own sewing machine —without the guesswork, gatekeeping, or weeks-long wait at the shop.

“We teach you exactly what we do in our professional shop. No fluff. No guesswork.”

Paul Barney is our electrical, motor, restoration, and customer service specialist. He teaches motor service and rewiring along with many other in-depth skills.

Paul Barney teaches you how to repair antique sewing machines and vintage singer sewing machines

What you'll learn

This curriculum isn’t about throwing jargon at you, it’s about building real, applicable skills. And you’ll never be on your own. You get lifetime access to the materials and can ask questions anytime in our private support group.

Sewing Doc Academy students learn how to fix their own sewing machines or start their own repair business

Tools & workspace

  • The tools, lubricants, and cleaning agents you actually need (and what to avoid)

  • Setting up a safe and comfortable work area in your home
  • Essential safety practices for working with computerized components

Sewing Doc Academy teaches you how to safely remove the plastic covers from a sewing machine

Safely remove the covers

  • Brand-specific guidance on how to safely open most major machine types (Brother, Janome, Pfaff, etc.)

  • How to work around “tricky” models without damaging the housing or internal parts

  • Printable custom disassembly instructions available upon request for your specific machine

Sewing Doc Academy teaches you how to clean and lubricate the inside of your sewing machine

Cleaning & lubricating

  • How to properly clean inside the machine without disturbing critical components

  • How to safely clean sensors and computer boards on computerized machines

  • What to lubricate (and what to leave alone) to avoid damage

  • How to un-seize a frozen machine and restore movement gently

Online sewing machine repair school to teach you how to fix common sewing issues

Resolve common issues

  • Professional test sew procedures

  • Address common tension issues

  • Cleaning the auto thread cutter and replacing blades

  • Basic troubleshooting for feed dogs, bobbin cases, and more

Learn to fix sewing machines and become a certified sewing machine repair technician
Ready to go deeper?
 

If you enroll in the Maintenance Program, you also get:

  • Hook Timing Foundations – Understand the basics of hook function and alignment

  • Troubleshoot like a Pro – How to spot minor issues before they turn major

  • Vintage Sewing Machine Mastery – Expand your skills and learn vintage machine restoration and service

We teach you how to service nearly all modern home domestic sewing machines, including mechanical & computerized models from 1980+.

What’s excluded?

We do not cover the Viking Epic series, or the newest Bernina models from the 3/4/5/7/8/9 series. These machines require dealer-restricted tools and codes.

Excludes commercial, industrial, chain stitch, sergers, over lockers, blind hemmers, multi-needle/upright embroidery machines, and longarm quilting machines.

Is this a repair course?

No—our programs do not teach you how to fix a broken machine. We teach maintenance & service only. 

Can I get a refund if my machine isn't covered?

Due to the digital nature of our programs, sales are final. If you're unsure about your machine, please contact us before purchasing.

Start learning today

How it works

You’ll learn how to clean, service, and maintain your sewing machine (or many machines) at your pace, with real experts and a supportive community always there when you need them.

Choose your learning path

Find the right path for your sewing machines, your goals, and your curiosity.

 Enroll & learn at your pace

Access expert-led videos, guides, and a supportive student community.

 Get help for every machine

Whether you have 1 machine or 12, get expert support for life. 

Choose your learning path

Get started today

Remove Your Covers

$249

1 time fee

  • Learn to maintain and service modern sewing machines
  • Lifetime access to self-paced on-demand courses
  • Expert support, private student group
Enroll now

Remove Your Covers + Hook timing

$498

1 time fee or 2 payments of $255


All benefits of Remove Your Covers, PLUS:

  • Learn Hook Timing Basics 
    Diagnose & fix hook timing issues, a common cause of skipped stitches and jams

Enroll now Pay 2x $255

Maintenance Program

$579

1 time fee or 2 payments of $295


MOST POPULAR
All benefits of Remove Your Covers, PLUS:

  • Learn to diagnose and fix Hook Timing 
  • Learn vintage sewing machine repair ($249 value)
  • Learn vintage motor service & rewiring ($199 value)
  • Troubleshoot like a pro ($149 value)
Enroll now Pay 2x $295

The math is simple

The average service appointment costs $125.

Learn to maintain and repair sewing machines online

 For less than the cost of 2 appointments, you can learn to maintain every machine you own — for life.

Not sure where to start?

Join our next Open House 

behind-the-scenes event hosted by sewing machine repair expert Andi Barney, where she’ll walk you through our most popular programs, answer your questions, and show you how to get started.
Register for free
 

You're not doing this alone

 When you join a Sewing Doc program, you also join a thriving private community where students and pros help each other succeed — no matter where you’re starting.

Susan L.

“Always available to answer questions. Real people making a real difference. I felt so empowered to be able to confidently service my machines!”

Jane H.

“Thank you Andi and all the folks in this group who give tips and respond to assist when we are not sure what to do next.”

 

Crystal-Jean R.

“I truly think that Andi and Paul are building an amazing resource and putting it all in one place in a well organized manner.”

 

Read more student testimonials.

Get started today

Remove Your Covers

$249

1 time fee

  • Learn to maintain and service modern sewing machines
  • Lifetime access to self-paced on-demand courses
  • Expert support, private student group
Enroll now

Remove Your Covers + Hook timing

$498

1 time fee or 2 payments of $255


All benefits of Remove Your Covers, PLUS:

  • Learn Hook Timing Basics 
    Diagnose & fix hook timing issues, a common cause of skipped stitches and jams

Enroll now Pay 2x $255

Maintenance Program

$579

1 time fee or 2 payments of $295


MOST POPULAR
All benefits of Remove Your Covers, PLUS:

  • Learn to diagnose and fix Hook Timing 
  • Learn vintage sewing machine repair ($249 value)
  • Learn vintage motor service & rewiring ($199 value)
  • Troubleshoot like a pro ($149 value)
Enroll now Pay 2x $295

FAQs

Real stories. Real results.

Our students aren’t just learning—they’re fixing machines, building businesses, and keeping sewing alive. Watch Kate and Spike share their journeys.
 
 
Enroll now

Explore our other courses

Vintage sewing machine mastery

Learn more

Troubleshoot like a pro

 

Learn more

Machine care basics mini course

Learn more

Business school & certification

 

Learn more

Have questions? We're happy to help.


Ask about machine compatibility, course content, or anything else on your mind. Use this form and we'll help you figure out the best next step.

Contact Us